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Why Vande Bharat Sleeper trains have no Tatkal or RAC booking
Vande Bharat Sleeper trains now have fixed fares and no Tatkal or RAC bookings. This affects Indian travellers planning long-distance overnight trips, as they must book in advance and secure confirmed berths.
By SafarSamachar Desk · 9 Nov 2026
Illustration1What are the new booking rules for Vande Bharat Sleeper trains?
Vande Bharat Sleeper trains do not allow Tatkal bookings, dynamic pricing, or RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) tickets. Passengers can only book confirmed berths through the regular reservation system, and tickets are priced at a fixed rate regardless of demand.
2Which passengers are affected by these changes?
Passengers who travel on Vande Bharat Sleeper trains are affected, especially those who rely on Tatkal or RAC bookings for last-minute or flexible travel. These rules apply to all travellers, including regular passengers and railway staff.
3When did these changes come into effect?
The changes came into effect with the introduction of Vande Bharat Sleeper trains. Indian Railways has implemented these rules as part of the initial rollout of the service, which began with three pairs of trains operating across the country.
4What are the implications for ticket pricing?
Ticket prices for Vande Bharat Sleeper trains are fixed and do not increase with demand or as the travel date approaches. This means passengers pay the same rate regardless of how far in advance they book or how close they are to the departure date.
5What should passengers do now to book tickets?
Passengers should plan their journeys in advance and book confirmed berths through the regular reservation system. They should also check seat availability, especially during peak travel times, as there are no RAC or waitlisted options available.
6Are there any special provisions for certain passengers?
Yes, there are special provisions. In the AC 3-Tier class, six berths are reserved for women passengers, and 21 berths are allocated for railway staff on duty passes. These allocations are part of the reservation system for the service.
7What are the cancellation rules for Vande Bharat Sleeper tickets?
Cancellation charges apply based on the time before departure. If cancelled more than 72 hours in advance, 25% of the fare is charged. Between 72 and 8 hours, 50% is charged. Cancellations less than 8 hours before departure result in no refund.
This explainer is based on our news report: Vande Bharat Sleeper trains to have no Tatkal, RAC or dynamic pricing
Sources
Written with AI assistance from the sources above and checked against them. Confirm rules, fares and schedules with the official source before you travel.